Cubs believe Javier Baez ready to contribute to playoff run

Javier Baez returns with lower expectations and better mechanics at the plate.

When Javier Baez made his Cubs debut at Coors Field in August 2014, he became the first of a pipeline of prospects that eventually became the talk of the baseball world.

But the hype was overwhelming, and even Jake Arrieta warned before Baez's first game that the media was overdoing things.

"The outside expectations are going to be elevated because of his status, which the media doesn't care about though it's unfair to him," Arrieta said. "He's going to put up good numbers. He's going to be a good player for us. Just let him go out there and let his ability shine. That's the most important thing."

Baez hit a game-winning solo home run in his debut, but never found a rhythm, hitting .169 with 95 strikeouts in 213 at-bats.

The Cubs sent him to Triple-A Iowa to begin the 2015 season, and the death of his sister and a broken hand that sidelined him for two months stymied his development.

But now it's time for Baez 2.0, and the infielder returned to the Cubs on Tuesday as rosters expanded for September just in time for his first playoff push.

Manager Joe Maddon wouldn't say how much playing time Baez would get at second base, though he started Tuesday night and figures to put Starlin Castro mostly on the bench if Baez continues to hit.

"He's in a good place," President Theo Epstein said. "He has earned his way and worked his way into this position to come up and contribute to a winning team."

Starter Dan Haren was acquired at the trade deadline, while outfielder Austin Jackson was brought in Monday night to be eligible for the...

Epstein said Baez's improvement stems from eliminating his leg kick, which led to strikeouts.

"When he can keep his front foot down and under control with that leg kick, everything gets more under control for him in the box," he said. "He tends to have a more reasonable swing, gets better pitches to hit. It has been real effective for him, and he has seen results, too, which is huge."

Baez went 1-for-4 with one strikeout.

Roster moves: The Cubs welcomed several new faces as rosters expanded. Baez, lefty Tsuyoshi Wada, right-hander Trevor Cahill and outfielder Quintin Berry were called up from Iowa, and newly acquired outfielder Austin Jackson also joined the club.

Russell was dominant in May and June before struggling since the All-Star break. He had an 11.57 ERA in 11 games in August.

Epstein said it was simply a "numbers game" for Russell.

"He really helped us get through a difficult part of the season, helped stabilize our bullpen when we picked him up (in April) after Atlanta released him, and we're grateful to him for that," he said. "It's just unfortunate, the timing. He went into a little bit of a slump when we were looking to add guys."